From uncertainty to opportunity, life as an ICC intern

Embarking on an internship can mean stepping into the unknown. But for ICC interns uncertainty quickly gives way to a chance of meaningful responsibilities and international collaboration opportunities, with a chance to contribute to projects that make a real impact. We spoke with five ICC interns about what surprised them most, the skills they developed and the advice they would give to future interns.

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On their first day in an international organisation interns may find themselves asking Will I fit in? Will I understand how everything works? What will the team be like?

But as work begins and daily routines settle in, ICC interns often find themselves looking back weeks later, wondering where the time went.

One week might mean supporting preparations for a major international meeting. Another could involve contributing research for climate policy discussions, working on communications campaigns, helping chambers and SMEs navigate digital tools, or coordinating projects that stretch across regions and industries.

What begins as an internship turns into something even more enriching: a front-row seat to how international business, policy and cooperation work in practice, all in a dynamic, nurturing environment.

Ana Carolina de Lima Santos undertaking an internship within the ICC Global Policy Department was surprised by how welcoming everyone was.

"It didn't feel like a stereotypical office environment but a place where everyone works together as a team and where every contribution is recognised"

Her sentiment is echoed time and again in conversations with other ICC interns, regardless of the department they are working in.

Working with ICC's digital marketing team, Mariana Toffanello Ramirez, says what stood out most for her was not only the international environment but the people behind it.

"Every department I interacted with was full of genuinely amazing people who made me feel comfortable from day one. There's so much happening behind the scenes that you would never imagine from the outside."

Whether learning on the job about ICC policy advocacy, dispute resolution services, or network and outreach activities, ICC interns discover an organisation that moves quickly - entrusting them with real responsibility within a supportive and safe environment.

For Prithvi Killivalavan, an intern with ICC Dispute Resolution Services, that was one of the biggest surprises.

"From early on, I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities and encouraged to contribute ideas,"

During his internship, Prithvi supported international initiatives, including the ICC Young Arbitrators and ADR Forum application and selection process, helping coordinate an initiative that brings together young dispute resolution professionals from around the world. He also had the opportunity to contribute to preparations for an annual meeting ICC national committees arbitration commission heads.

Many interns describe ICC as a place where they have been able to better understand their future career paths while developing practical skills in an international environment.

For Emilia Hofmann, an intern in Human Resources, one of the biggest takeaways has been personal and professional growth.

"I've learned how to manage priorities, adapt quickly and work with people from different cultures,"

Working across an international organisation has also given her a new perspective on collaboration.

"There are so many different teams, departments and nationalities working together," says Emilia. "It's a very diverse environment."

The ICC internship experience, in five words:

That international atmosphere is something many interns note when reflecting on their experience at ICC. Alongside day-to-day responsibilities, they also highlight a culture that encourages learning and development.

Suebat Gbadamosi Hamzat, an intern within the ICC Global Partnerships and Development team, points to ICC's regular Learning Café sessions, where colleagues come together for trainings focused on both professional and personal growth.

"It's a culture that genuinely invests in people,"

Suebat has also been involved in a market assessment and feasibility study focused on introducing electronic Certificates of Origin in Least Developed Countries - an initiative aimed at supporting digitalisation and making trade processes easier for SMEs.

Asked what advice they would give future ICC interns, the answers are remarkably similar: stay curious, ask questions and take initiative.

"Come with the right mindset," says Mariana Toffanello Ramirez.

"You don't need to have everything figured out - what matters most is being eager to learn and open to the experience."

If there is one thing this article's author - and fellow ICC intern - would add, it is this: joining ICC can feel a little like finding a golden ticket. You come with expectations, but reality somehow turns out even better.